BTCC Driver of the Year vote: 6th

The 2011 season proved to be one of frustration for defending champion Jason Plato, who saw his hopes of winning a third title end despite the fact he managed to win more races than anyone else.

The Chevrolet driver had hoped that his normally-aspirated Cruze would be able to fight with the turbo cars throughout the year but, despite his total of eight victories - which means he now has more BTCC wins than anyone else – Plato found the going tough.

When at the front of the field, he used his skill and experience to make sure he stayed there – as seen at the likes of Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Rockingham – but when he was forced to try and chase the turbo cars, the extra grunt of his rivals made it far from easy. A series of incidents on track hurt his chances, with a barrel-roll at Donington Park, a high-speed off into the tyres at Thruxton and a controversial clash with Tom Boardman at Knockhill being amongst the 'lowlights' of his season.

The fact Plato finds himself down in sixth place in out Driver of the Year poll may be down more to his often outspoken views on parity than his results on track, with the double champion making his views known on more than one occasion as the season progressed.

What can't be doubted however, is that his results on track showed that Plato is one of the best drivers to have been seen in the BTCC over the years with his record of victories one that is likely to remain unbeaten for some time to come.